Who can treat arthritis?

Types of therapists…

When you begin to have concerns regarding arthritis or are beginning to experience symptoms and signs associated with the disease, the first step is to choose the right doctor or therapist.  While many patients are under the assumption that it is only the medically trained doctor that can treat arthritis, this is not the case.  In fact, there are many specialists and therapists who can help treat arthritis symptoms in their own ways.  There is  terminology that is used regarding the many different types of therapists which is described below as well as how they help arthritis patients to deal with their condition.  *

Health Professionals Who Treat Arthritis

The following are some of the many different types of health professionals that treat people with arthritis:

Primary care physicians: These are doctors that are the patient’s primary care physician, meaning they are the “regular” doctor that the patient sees.  Primary care physicians are responsible for referring the patient to other specialists. These doctors are known as “general physicians” or GPs and are not specialists.

Rheumatologists: Rheumatologists specialize in conditions relating to the joints and specialize in arthritis treatments and other conditions that affect the bones, muscles and joints.

Orthopedists: Orthopedists are doctors that specialize in treating joint and bone diseases and surgeries for the diseases

Physical therapists: Also referred to as physiotherapists are professionals in the health care system that work with patients using various techniques such as exercise to help the patient improve the function and mobility of their joints.

Occupational therapists: These therapists are professionals in the health care system that educate patients on the various ways and techniques to conserve energy, minimize pain and protect joints.   

Dietitians: Dieticians are professionals in the health care system who education patients on how to eat healthy and improve their daily diet and how to maintain and control a healthy weight.  

Nurse educators: These are professionals in the health care system that specialize in caring for patients and helping them to understand their overall condition and implement the treatment plans ordered by the doctors.

Physiatrists (rehabilitation specialists): Physiatrists are doctors who have trained to help patients to regain their physical potential.

Acupuncture therapists: These therapists are professionals in the health care system then treat patients with acupuncture techniques which are the insertion of needles into their skin and results in improving physical functions and reducing pain.

Psychologists: These professionals in the health care system help patients cope with difficult times in their lives such as medical conditions, hardships within the workplace, or trouble at home or in relationships.

Social worker: These health care professionals provide help to patients that have social challenges due to an illness, home health care, financial hardships, disability and other needs relating from the person’s medical condition.

Naturopaths: These are therapists in the health care system that treats their patients through natural means only.  

Homeopaths: These are therapists in the health care system that specialize in a holistic, natural and safe treatment for a number of illnesses and ailments which include arthritis, toothache, headaches, hay fever, diarrhea, eczema, depression, and asthma..

Herbalists: Herbalists are professionals who are educated in the field of herbal medicine and the healing properties of plants.  They resort to many different ways to treat their patients which include herbal supplements, leaves, crude plants, seeds and dried roots.  The various plant parts are used to treat the patient’s disease including patients with arthritis.

When treating arthritis, it is important that you view yourself and your doctor or therapist as a team.  You will need to work closely together in order to ensure the best care.  Treatment among patients that have a good relationship with their doctors and therapists tends to have better results.

Natural measures for the prevention & treatment of arthritis

Top three hints & tips…

While we are unable to change some of the factors which make one susceptible to arthritis, such as age, sex and heredity, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of developing this disease by adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes ding exercise, practicing weight loss & taking a natural (herbal) safe supplement.

1-    Losing weight

Many people become less active when they develop arthritis because of pain and the fear of causing damage. This can lead to muscles becoming weaker and wasted. It also leads to increased weight gain and obesity. Weight loss can help build-up muscles, stabilize joints, and alleviate pain and stiffness in joints.

Weight loss has been shown to have significant benefits for people with arthritis, including reductions in pain and improvements in physical function, mental health, and quality of life. Excess weight puts extra stress on weight-bearing joints, especially the knees. According to a recent study, weight loss of an average of 11 pounds can reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis by as much as 50%. Weight control can also help reduce stress on the joints and spine.

Also, regular and appropriate weight loss can have enormous benefits for people with arthritis, which include:

• Better joint mobility and range of movement
• Improved pain management
• Stronger muscles and bones
• Decreased disease progression
• Improved energy levels and general wellbeing
• Improved self-esteem and feeling more positive

2-    Exercising

Regular and healthy physical activity on daily basis such as walking, cycling and swimming) to strengthen supporting muscles and maintain joint mobility improves symptoms of arthritis and has been found to be greatly helpful for many.

3-    Taking an “arthritis” diet

Diet changes may make a big difference for many patients. While losing weight has long been part of arthritis treatment, the focus is now on foods and supplements that can reduce painful inflammation.

Another strategy is to identify and avoid foods that might cause arthritis to flare up. And scientific evidence is beginning to support the use of certain supplements that can relieve pain without many of the side effects of prescription drugs.

Likewise, some early research suggests that foods high in omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and risk for arthritis pain. Also, taking ginger and glucosamine (as extracted from the shells of shellfish) and chondroitin (as derived from cow cartilage) has been found to exert strong anti-inflammatory effect in arthritis.

Weight loss & arthritis

Weight loss & arthritis

The crucial connection

Weight control is particularly important for people with osteoarthritis. Excess weight directly contributes to the development of osteoarthritis. Weight control not only helps prevent osteoarthritis, it is an important element in your treatment of the disease as well. The following simple yet interesting facts will help you understand the crucial and critical link between your body weight the health of your bones and joints specifically when you have a serious disorder such as osteoarthritis.

Body weight & arthritis – Some interesting facts

1.    While the cause of osteoarthritis is not yet known, but certain weight gain or obesity certainly increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

2.    While osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it is most common in the hands, feet, spine, and in large, “weight-bearing” joints such as the hips and knees.

3.    Increased body weight is a serious factor in the development of osteoarthritis, particularly in the knees, which carry the brunt of weight day in and day out.

4.    Weight control is important for prevention of and to slow the progression of osteoarthritis affecting the weight-bearing joints (knees and hips) and low back.

5.    Over 294,000 or 1 in 250 young people under 18 years are affected by arthritis

6.    For every pound a person gains, add 3 pounds of pressure on the knees and six times the pressure on the hips.

7.    Likewise, losing as few as 11 pounds can cut the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis by 50 percent for some women.

8.    Similarly, for every one pound of weight lost, there is a four pound reduction in the load exerted on the knee for each step taken during daily activities.

9.    Weight loss of only 15 pounds can cut knee pain in half for overweight individuals with arthritis.

10.  Physical activity (as performed to lose weight or as a part of overall weight loss program) keeps joints flexible and maintains or improves muscle strength.

11.  Studies also show that people who lost an average of 57 pounds of their body weight, significantly improved their knee pain, stiffness and physical function within the first six months.

12.  Since weight gain gradually increases the stress on joints, the weight gain the decade before a person has OA symptoms, particularly in middle age, plays a big role in determining if they will have OA.

13.  Maintaining an acceptable body weight is one of the key treatment goals in therapy against osteoarthritis.

Conclusion

Osteoarthritis patients who are overweight or obese need to lose weight. Weight loss can reduce stress on weight-bearing joints and limit further injury. While a dietitian or nutritionist can help patients develop healthy eating habits, healthy diet and regular exercise help reduce weight.

The ABCs of arthritis

The ABCs of arthritis

Understanding then basics…

Introduction

Arthritis is not a single disease. The term “arthritis” covers more than hundred diseases and conditions affecting joints, the surrounding tissues, and other connective tissues.

Arthritis includes:

·         Osteoarthritis

·         Rheumatoid arthritis

·         Gout

·         Systemic lupus erythematosus

·         Juvenile (children) rheumatoid arthritis

·         Bursitis

·         Lyme arthritis,

·         Carpal tunnel disease and other disorders

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and the most frequent joint disorder especially in seniors. Arthritis is a common disease. As the population ages, arthritis is expected to affect an estimated 67 million adults in the United States, alone, by 2030.

Definition of arthritis

Arthritis refers to any disorder that causes “inflammation” of the joints.

What causes arthritis?

Arthritis is due to the wearing down of cartilage, which is the material that cushions the ends of the bones. Some researchers believe that when the joints are unable to react properly to stress, the cartilage is damaged. This leads to the development of arthritis.

Who is at risk of arthritis?

Race: arthritis is less prevalent among African Americans and Hispanics than among non-Hispanic whites.

Gender: Arthritis prevalence is higher in women, 24.4%, than in men, 18.1%.

Family: Some very specific types of arthritis can result from hereditary factors. Some families may pass on the tendency for defective cartilage;

Obesity: Arthritis co-exists with other conditions such as overweight or obese individuals. Additionally, physical inactivity has been found to be higher in those with arthritis.

Diabetes: In 2005 and 2007 over half of those with diabetes had arthritis.

People at risk of injuries: Sports injuries, occupation-related injuries and repetitive use joint injuries can increase the risk of arthritis.

Signs & symptoms of arthritis - How would you know if you have arthritis?

While many people with arthritis do not experience any symptoms in the initial stages of the disease, following warning signs are mostly observed:

·         Pain in or around a joint

·         Stiffness or problems moving a joint

·         Swelling (sometimes) in a joint

Complications (What arthritis can lead to?)

Disability: Arthritis (being mainly a disease of bones and joints) is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

Immobility: Arthritis limits everyday activities such as walking and dressing. Of working age adults (18 to 64 years), 1 in 20 reports that arthritis affects their ability to work whereas over one-third of those with arthritis reports that their work is affected by their condition.

Infection: Persistent presence of inflammation for long term increases the risk of buildup of bacteria and bacteria, leading to infections.

What is the treatment of arthritis?

Medical therapy: Medications for some types of arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, can limit disease progression, control symptoms and prevent serious complications. However, there are a number of limitations and drawbacks associated with the use of medications in arthritis:

·         Not all medications are considered equally effective for every kind of arthritis.

·         Like any other medical drugs, medicines used in the treatment of arthritis are not free of side effects especially if used for long term.

Medicines only target the effects (signs and symptoms) and often not the cause.

Benefits of weight loss in arthritis

Benefits of weight loss in arthritis

Lose more to gain more…

Obesity is a nationwide epidemic and we hear about the danger from it every day on the news. New research shows that the obese (overweight) individuals are up to four times as likely to develop knee osteoarthritis as they are to develop high blood pressure or type-2 diabetes. The danger to health and quality of life is insidious: at every stage, excess body weight both increases the level of pain and disability and undermines the effectiveness of treatment. Also, whereas high blood pressure and diabetes may be substantially improved on losing weight and are relatively easy to control with therapy, osteoarthritis is irreversible.

Importance of achieving & maintaining normal weight in arthritis

Maintaining a recommended weight or losing weight if they are overweight can lessen pain by reducing stress on the affected joints. Weight loss specifically helps ease pressure on weight-bearing joints such as the hips, knees, back and feet.

Increased body weight is a serious factor in the development of osteoarthritis (OA), particularly in the knees, which carry the brunt of weight day in and day out.  In fact, for every pound a person gains, add 3 pounds of pressure on the knees and six times the pressure on the hips. Since weight gain gradually increases the stress on joints, the weight gain the decade before a person has OA symptoms, particularly in middle age, plays a big role in determining if they will have OA. If the patient is overweight, work with them to devise a weight-loss plan that includes eating fewer calories and increasing physical exercise. Make sure they are getting enough nutrients to keep their body healthy and that the activities they choose don’t harm their joints.

Research has shown that losing extra weight can help people who already have osteoarthritis. Moreover, overweight or obese people who do not have osteoarthritis may reduce their risk of developing the disease by losing weight.

Conclusion

In short, weight control is important to people who have arthritis because extra weight puts extra pressure on some joints and can aggravate many types of arthritis. Achieving a healthy weight reduces the risk of developing the disease in the first place, relieves existing symptoms and helps to prevent further deterioration..